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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

This elegant and flavorful recipe features roasted baby or heirloom carrots seasoned with warm spices, paired with creamy whipped ricotta cheese and drizzled with a spicy hot honey. Finished with crunchy pistachios and fresh herbs, this dish makes a perfect sophisticated side or a light vegetarian appetizer showcasing a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots and Seasoning

  • 1 lb (450g) baby carrots or heirloom carrots
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Whipped Ricotta

  • 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste

Hot Honey

  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated and well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
  3. Roast the Carrots: Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender with caramelized golden brown edges.
  4. Make the Whipped Ricotta: While the carrots roast, blend ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until smooth, creamy, and fluffy—about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Hot Honey: Warm the honey with red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat for 1-2 minutes to infuse the spice, being careful not to boil. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Allow to cool slightly.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter or individual plates as a creamy base. Neatly arrange the roasted carrots over the ricotta.
  7. Add Finishing Touches: Generously drizzle the warm hot honey over the carrots. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and optional parsley for added flavor, crunch, and color.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately while the carrots are still warm so you can enjoy the delicious contrast between the hot carrots and cool, creamy ricotta. Ideal as an elegant side or a light vegetarian dish.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or substitute with toasted seeds such as pumpkin seeds.
  • If you prefer a milder honey, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
  • Use fresh thyme for best flavor; dried thyme can be substituted but add less as it is more concentrated.
  • Heirloom carrots add color and variety, but baby carrots work well if unavailable.
  • Leftover whipped ricotta can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, side dish, vegetarian, easy recipe, maple syrup, spices, pistachios, fresh herbs